Travel

UK walks: Five top walking routes in Northumberland for your next hiking holiday


Walking holidays are an ideal break option for Britons looking to get out into the English countryside. Walks make for good physical exercise and are absolutely free (depending on how often you stop off at the pub). Northumberland – a county in North East England – boasts both glorious countryside and excellent opportunities for walking. Northumberland-based independent cottage agency Northumbria Coast and Country Cottages has rounded up five of the top region in the area for Express.co.uk.

Best for panoramic views: Ros Castle and Hepburn Wood

This is a relatively challenging four-mile circular walk which starts and finishes at Hepburn Wood Forestry Commission free car park near the village of Chillingham.

The stunning (roughly two-hour) route takes you up to Ros Castle summit, where you can soak up the spectacular panoramic views of the surrounding moorland, hills and out to the coast.

The summit’s name derives from a 3,000-year-old Iron Age hill fort which once occupied the site.

Return through Hepburn Wood where there is an abundance of wildlife to enjoy.

The postcode NE66 4EG leads you to Hepburn Farm – carry on up the hill for about half a mile to reach the forest carpark, which should be on your right.

Highlights: Panoramic views, wildlife-spotting opportunities, forest tracks, crist and capstone Bronze Age grave.

Best for families: Warkworth to Alnmouth

The easy 3.5-mile walk from Warkworth to Alnmouth takes in views of the medieval Warkworth Castle (well worth exploring if you have time before your walk), the River Coquet, wild sand dunes and the picturesque villages of Warkworth and Alnmouth.

The beach at Alnmouth provides further activities, from birdwatching at Marsden Rocks, to beach games and sandcastle building.

Plus, it’s dog-friendly so the whole family can join in the fun. Alnmouth village itself is home to some lovely little cafes and also the Ferryman’s Hut, one of Britain’s smallest museums.

Highlights: Medieval castle, charming villages and rugged sand dunes.

Best for waterfall watching: Breamish Valley and Linhope Spout

This moderate three-mile there-and-back walk begins just before Hartside Farm and follows a trail right up to Linhope Burn and Linhope Spout, an impressive 60ft chute of water and plunge pool.

Enjoy amazing views towards Hedgehope Hill, Northumberland’s second highest hill at 714m tall.

Highlights: Spectacular waterfall, curlew and red squirrel-spotting and Hedgehope Hill views.

Best for wildlife spotting: Falstone Burn Walk

If you go down to the woods today, you might be lucky enough to spot some Northumberland wildlife.

As you track Falstone Burn and follow the path into the forest, this lovely route provides opportunities to catch a glimpse of kestrel, buzzard, curlew, heron, dipper, wagtail, roe deer and red squirrel to name a few.

A moderate 2.5-mile walk which is suitable for most abilities to embark upon.

Parking is available outside Falstone Old School Tea Rooms, where the walk begins and ends.

Highlights: Wildlife spotting opportunities, Falstone Burn Gorge and Hawkhope Hill.

Best for coastal vistas: Alnmouth to Craster

For stunning coastline views and a few other points of interest along the way (including pitstop opportunities at a couple of pubs), this lovely walk along several stretches of beach and well-trodden paths is a must.

The 15-mile trail is mostly fairly flat bar a couple of small hills and prompts many a photo opportunity along the way.

Snap the view over Alnmouth village from Diver’s Knowe, capture the rock outcrop or ‘hole in the wall’ at Howick Haven or catch a still of the majestic ‘black hole’ at sunrise or sunset.

When you reach Craster, The Jolly Fisherman offers well-earned sustenance in the form of its famous crab sandwiches.

Track back the same way you came to encounter the views from the opposite perspective or catch the X18 bus back to Alnmouth to shorten the walk to around 7.5 miles rather than the full 15 there and back.

Highlights: Diver’s Knowe, Boulmer Beach, Howdiemont Sands, Sugar Sands, Howick Haven, Rumbling Kern, Cullernose Point, Black Hole, Craster Harbour and The Jolly Fisherman.

Walks elsewhere in the UK

Cancer support charity Macmillan has shared their eight one-day ‘Mighty Hikes’ which will be taking place from June to September 2019 to raise funds.

The hikes take place across the UK and feature popular walking destinations such as the Lake District and Peak District. Other hikes take place in the Wye Valley, Northumberland and beyond. 



READ SOURCE

Leave a Reply

This website uses cookies. By continuing to use this site, you accept our use of cookies.